A tornado watch was extended into Southwest Michigan early afternoon, specifically the counties of Berrien, Branch, Cass and St. Joseph where the watch will be in effect into 8 p.m. ET. There were waves of heavy rain and storm weather early in the day, including some strong thunderstorms that came through Oakland County in the early afternoon.

Much of the central United States, from Texas through Missouri and up into the Great Lakes region, was threatened by severe weather Wednesday, with the potential for powerful winds, large hail and even a few tornadoes.

Storms could also bring flooding to some parts of the state, especially those in low-lying areas, according to the Great Lakes Water Authority.

Several counties in Illinois and Indiana are under a Tornado Watch as severe weather bears down on the Chicago area.